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iM Feature: Giuseppe’s Nissan Skyline

Around 2004-05, Canadians were allowed to bring in vehicles from Japan and have them registered to drive on Canadian soil. When Canadians were given such an opportunity, cars that were once unheard of or simply dreamed about slowly started making their way from Japan. With more and more RHD vehicles being brought into Canada, cars like the Toyota Chaser and Nissan Siliva started becoming household names. One of the more popular platforms brought over from Japan definitely had to be the Nissan Skyline.

With a crazy surge of RHD Japanese vehicles being brought in from Japan, what once was a dream for many, slowly started becoming a nightmare for enthusiasts and even RHD owners. Parts were simply unobtainable for a few vehicles, while other enthusiasts were bothered by the ignorance of some RHD owners on the road.

Forward to the present, Japanese RHD vehicles are certainly still around, but not as popular as they once were. There are certain RHD vehicles that do stand out however, and these are the ones that everyone can have appreciation for.

As most will agree, a car can only be appreciated, if it is in the hands of the right owner. Have a look at Giuseppe’s RHD Nissan Skyline, and you will find a true testament to this statement.

The exterior appearance of Giuseppe’s car showcases his ambition towards making this Skyline unlike the others seen on Canadian streets. With a fresh Shadow Grey finish, Version Select V.1 Kit, Carbon Fiber Accents (Hood, Trunk, Mirrors, Canards) and a nicely stanced set of Work XD9s complimenting each other on the exterior, one look under the hood and this ambition goes a step further.

Giuseppe’s Skyline is powered by an RB25DET with power assistance from a Garrett GT30R Turbo, “Godzilla’s roar” can be heard through the A’PEXi Exhaust. Should this Skyline need to be brought to a sudden halt, a GT-R brake conversion answers the call.

A look at the interior of the vehicle, and you will find that whoever is in the driver’s seat, is given first priority. A Bride Seat and Takata Harness provide the driver with a better feel and more focus for the road.

Since the Skyline’s RWD platform is a favorite amongst drifters, you better believe that Giuseppe’s Skyline has it’s suspension game on lock. With suspension goodies from Tein, Whiteline, JIC, and Megan to name a few, there’s no doubting this Skyline’s grip & drift abilities.

Displaying an overall impressive package, we gotta give it up to Guiseppe for having one hell of a Skyline that we can all appreciate. As common as it may be for Skylines and other RHD vehicles to be on the roads in Canada, it is uncommon to find ones that are well thought out, and orchestrated in the right hands.

Well done, Giuseppe!

Car: Nissan Skyline
Owner: Guiseppe Di Gaeta

//EXTERIOR

-Version Select V.1 Kit
-Seibon CF Vented Hood
-Seibon CF Trunk
-DMaxx Roof Spoiler
-APR CF Mirrors
-Origin Labs Front CF Canards

//INTERIOR

-Bride Seat
-Takata Harness
-Greddy Gauges

//ENGINE.&.DRIVETRAIN

-RB25DET
-Garrett GT30R Turbo
-Tial Wastegate
-HKS Super Sequential Blow-Off Valve
-XS Power Turbo Manifold
-Autopwr Radiator w/Electric Dual Rad Fans
-Deatschwerks 740CC Injectors
-o34 Coils
-GT-R Front Mount Intercooler
-GT-R Intake Manifold
-A’PEXi Exhaust
-RB25DET Transmission
-RPS Stage 3 Clutch
-Custom One-Piece Driveshaft
-OG Giken 2-Way Differential

//ENGINE.ELECTRONICS

-Autronic SM4
-Greddy Profec B2 Boost Controller

//SUSPENSION

-Whiteline Front Swaybar
-GT-R Rear Swaybar
-Tein Super Drift Coilovers
-Cusco Strut Bars
-JIC Tension Rods
-Power Trixx Front Upper Control Arms
-Megan Rear Upper Arms

//WHEELS.&.BRAKES

-Work XD-9 18×9 +20
-GT-R Brakes w/ Slotted Rotors

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THE VIDEO

Honda

iM Highlight: Chris’s Honda S2000

In the short amount of time Chris owned this car, lets just say he had an excellent attention for detail. He picked up the car with less then 50,000 km’s with an absolutely immaculate body. A perfect buy for someone who planned on doing much more then just drive it. He was quick to modify it, while keeping the engine stock he chose fitment, and aero with big plans on what to do to the engine later.

While he had big dreams on what to do with the car next, he had an even bigger dream and decided to sell it. Some ask why he sold it so early, but when someones dream car pops up for the right amount of money, your plans shift and you drop everything you have worked for. I am excited to see what he turns his new car into, but for now, here is his S2000.

//Exterior
J’s Racing front half lip
J’s Racing canards
J’s Racing GT wing
Spoon rear diffuser
VIS carbon hood
Custom headlights
Clear sidemarkers
Tein Hood Damper

//Footwork
Volks RE30’s 17×7.5 +43 & 17×9 +54
T1R B-Max Coilovers with stiff springs

//Engine
Invidia N1 V3 Exhaust

//Interior
Skunk2 Shift Knob

And whats an article with out a roller.

AE86

iM Feature: OG (Orlando’s Garage) 1986 Toyota Corolla GT-S

The AE86.

Popularized by the Japanese Manga “Intial D”, the Toyota AE86 Corolla is probably one of the most desired cars by comic book fans, drifters and enthusiasts alike. Anyone who’s ever owned, ridden in, or come close to an 86 knows there’s just something that leaves one to wonder just what it is about the car that leaves them wanting more.

Is it the car’s 50/50 balance? It’s trademark Toyota “odd looks”? Or the fact that it was considered Toyota’s last “compact” RWD sports car? Your guess is as good as ours.

What happens though, when you mix a “Toyota at heart” soul and the 86 platform? Well, have a look at Orlando Tan’s 1986 Toyota Corolla GT-S.

Orlando Tan of “(O.G.) Orlando’s Garage” has made quite a name for himself when it comes to anything and everything to do with custom motor swaps, and living the 86 life. A prime example of Orlando’s work you ask? Well, you may remember Benny’s F20-swapped Panda 86 that we featured a little over a year ago.

Upon first glance of Orlando’s AE86, the exterior just leaves you breathless. With Toyota’s attractive “Super Red” paint shining, fitted with a Kouki Trueno front bumper, Zenki Trueno front lip, Kouki Trueno side skirts, Kouki Trueno rear bumper, and Toyota Kouki OEM “Redline” taillights, everything else in the car perfectly falls into place.

When it came to the interior of this AE86, Orlando knew very well that almost all interior pieces are just impossible to find (in good condition) nowadays. To kick it old school, one look of the interior and you will find nothing but pristine OEM goodness. That’s right, the interior is well restored and Orlando went all out to ensure the interior remained all OEM Toyota everything.

With the AE86 well known for it’s suspension, this Corolla stays glued to the road thanks to a Carbing Tri-Bar strut tower bar, Techno Toy Tuning front and rear coilovers and KYB AGX shocks on all four corners.

With an amazing interior and exterior, you’re left to wonder just what is in the belly of the beast. As mentioned earlier, Orlando, known for his incredible swaps and custom work, keeps his signature going with a Beam’s grey top VVT-i 3SGE suited with a Toyota CT20B Turbo, under the hood. With a very clean swap to perfectly flow with the rest of the car, Orlando’s Beam’s AE86 just screams “unassuming”.

So just what is it about the AE86 that leaves one wanting more? In Orlando’s case, this AE86 is his answer.

With countless hours, late nights and early mornings going into this car at Orlando’s Garage, this is one AE86 that you truthfully have to see in person to believe. Until then though, we hope these photos are enough to tide you over.

//OWNER: Orlando Tan
//CAR: 1986 Toyota Corolla GT-S

//ENGINE

BEAMS Greytop 3SGE VVti
OG Engine Harness
OG Custom Motor Mounts using AE86 bushings
OG Custom turbo manifold built from old Toyota piping 1 5/8″ Primaries
OG Custom 3″ Downpipe
OG Custom 3″ exhaust made from Greddy Stock
OG Custom Oil feed lines
OG Custom Oil pan and pickup
Toyota CT20B Ceramic turbo
OG Custom BEAMS intake manifold with internal velocity stacks
OEM Toyota 70mm Throttle Body
HKS Black Limited BOV
OG Custom Intercooler Piping
Autopwr R32 Intercooler
Autopwr AE86 Racing Radiator

//ENGINE.MANAGEMENT

Stinger 4 Standalone ECU
PLX Devices wideband o2 sensor and gauge

//TRANSMISSION.&.DRIVETRAIN

OG Custom 3S to W58 bell housing
W58 5-Speed Transmission
OEM 3SGTE Clutch
OG Custom Driveshaft
OEM Toyota LSD Rear End

//SUSPENSION

T3 Front Camber Plates
T3 Front Coilovers
T3 Rear Coilovers
KYB AGX shocks all 4 corners
CARBING Front Tri-bar

//WHEELS.&.BRAKES

15×8 0 offset TE37 Replicas
Wilwood Minilite BBK
Goodridge SS Lines

//EXTERIOR

OEM Toyota Kouki Trueno Front Bumper
OEM Toyota Zenki Trueno Front Lip
OEM Toyota Kouki Trueno Rear Bumper
OEM Toyota Kouki Trueno Side Skirts
OEM Toyota Corolla GTS Rear Wing
OEM Toyota Kouki Trueno Redline Taillights
OEM Toyota SUPER RED II Paint

//INTERIOR

OEM EVERYTHING!

iM Random Snaps

iM Random Snaps: Redlyne’s MR2 x Fall Shoot

Some of you may remember Ryan Dandurand’s gorgeous Imola Red Toyota MR2 that we’ve featured a couple times in the past, sitting correct on some Matte Black Volk TE-37s. For those who have or haven’t, you can check out our previous features HERE and HERE.

This season, Ryan’s MR2 has rarely been out of hiding due to a few upgrades here and there. A new Bomex Type 2 Aero Spoiler and Phoenix Power Depature 85mm Dual Exhaust give this MR2’s rear end a more refreshed look.

Adding to the MR2’s refresh, Ryan’s main focus was to get his SW20 running better than ever. Mission accomplished with a fully built engine, with 850cc injectors, and a fresh GTX GT3071 Turbo. With the help of Toma & Anthony Lo, this SW20 is on its way to being one hell of a precisely tuned monster.

With the fall season upon us and the weather getting a little bit crisp in the mornings and evenings, Ryan’s timing couldn’t be any better. And with the perfect autumn back drop to compliment Ryan’s practically perfected MR2, who wouldn’t mind seeing this SW20 again?

…that’s what we thought.

iM Random Snaps

iM Random Snaps: VW Generations

Our good friend Matt from Bergwerk Photography sent over these sick pics of a recent shoot he did. Here you will find two Jettas owned by brothers who share a passion for their VW’s.

The green Jetta houses some form of a diesel engine at the moment and plans for the winter are to swap in a TDI motor. Fitted with some classic 15×8 et30, Snowflake wheels and dropped on H&R suspension, it’s a dub done right.

The other Jetta is one of many MK2’s that has been owned by this brother. The custom stripe by Dublu Design set’s this apart from the others. The car sits on 13×8 ATS Classics and suspension is a custom creation which is unknown.

Enjoy the pictures and be sure to check out Bergwerk Photography!

A little quote from Matt:

Right now both cars are just runners that are really low. The green one is so low that when I was doing my rig shot, the subframe was scraping and shaking my camera. 🙂 You have to be dedicated to roll these cars daily.

Drifting

iM Event Coverage: Spec-D’s Sunday Funday #3

On Sunday September 25, 2011 a few of us from the crew decided to check out Spec-D’s Sunday Funday at Race City. Spec-D hosted a great season finale with raffles supporting charity, spectators getting ride alongs, and both pro and amateur drivers competing in full out tandem battles.

As Spec-D was wrapping up a great Sunday Funday event to end their season, this was also one of the final drifting events to be held at Race City ever. We gotta give it up to the Spec-D Team for continuously supporting our local drifters and hosting these great events but more importantly, giving these drivers a chance to showcase their art on the track.

Enjoy the photos we captured from Sunday Funday!

We went a little camera crazy so be sure to view the rest of the pics from the event click HERE

Cancer

illmotion x Breast Cancer Awareness

Once again illmotion is doing it’s best to help out a great cause. As many of you already know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month all around the world.

With Breast cancer affecting approximately 200,000 women each year we cannot sit back without doing our part to fight it.

To help you help us in the fight we have some new decals in store which represent the Breast Cancer awareness color, PINK! To go along with our other special edition decals we introduce the Breast Cancer Pink Outline Decals! These are a super limited edition decal so get them while we have them, as once they are gone, they are gone. So, purchase one, two or ten, just know that you’re helping your lovely little lady, mom, friend or another special lady out there.

Not only are we releasing a new decal, we have some freebies to give away with the purchase of any T-shirt you get your choice of a free lanyard! Act fast as lanyards are running out. Further to that, with the purchase of the Breast Cancer Pink decals you can get your hands on a matching Pink lanyard for just $2.00!

With all that said, to do our best in the fight against this deadly disease for the month of October. 50% of all store sales will be donated to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.

Once again, this is another opportunity for us to thank you for sticking with us and supporting us and everything we do! Thank-you.

Garage Box

iM Event Coverage: Revwerks Presents: Year-End Track Day Bash…

On Saturday September 24th, 2011 Revwerks (in collaboration with Garage Box & Vinyl Appeal) held their Year-End Track Day Bash at Race City in Calgary. Not only was this the final Track Day to end the season, it was also the absolute FINAL track day for all of us at Race City, as they close their gates for good once the winter season is in full effect.

The weather definitely cooperated with the last track day ever at Race City as drivers and spectators got to kick it under the blazing sun. With a nice little showing of fresh & clean whips at the paddock, beats from DJ Impuls, BBQ’d burgers, cool refreshments and the sound of cars just ripping it down the front and back straights, this was definitely a good way to properly say farewell to Race City.

Shouts out to the Revwerks Team as well as Garage Box & Vinyl Appeal for putting on a great Track Day season finale! Without the efforts of these guys over this past racing season, none of us would’ve had the opportunity to take our cars out, develop our driving skills and put our parts to good use!

Looks like we’ll have to stay tuned next season as Revwerks does in fact have something planned for everyone in the new year! So definitely be on the lookout for that!

On to our coverage…

Farewell…

To check out the rest of the pics click HERE

Garage Box

iM Event Coverage: GarageBox Track Day – Video

Finally finished off our video editing of the footage we took a couple weeks back at Garage Box’s track day at Race City.

If you missed out on the previously posted photo coverage check it out HERE

Thanks again to Garage Box for putting on a great event.